Photo Flash: Trustus Theatre Presents THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Trustus Artistic Director Jim Thigpen knew he wanted to bring a new show to South Carolina during their 25th Anniversary Season. "We've always driven our company to produce the newest and most engaging scripts that were out there," said Thigpen. "The Last 5 Years has made its way from Chicago to New York City, and we're excited to finally bring it to Columbia. Many of our company members have wanted us to produce this show for quite some time."

Thigpen put the project under the direction of Chad Henderson, who helmed such popular Columbia productions as Dog Sees God (voted Best Local Production) and The Rocky Horror Show. "I'm extremely excited to be directing this show," said Henderson. "This show explores in rich detail the reality of romantic relationships; their hardships, their enlightenment, and also the great joy they can also create."

The Last 5 Years, by lyricist and composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Songs for a New World), tells the story of Cathy and Jamie, a couple in their 20's. Somewhat autobiographical (considering Brown's ex-wife brought legal action on him concerning some of the show's lyrics), Brown ingeniously weaves the story of a couple's meeting, marriage, and separation over the course of five years. When the audience meets Cathy, a struggling actress, she's singing about how the love of her life, Jamie, has just left. When the audience meets Jamie, an up-and-coming writer, he sings about the beautiful and exciting girl he's just met, Cathy. The story builds as the audience watches Cathy move backwards in time while Jamie moves forwards, allowing the dramatic events of their five year relationship to unfold on stage in a unique non-linear form of stage storytelling.

Director Chad Henderson knew the casting would have to be exceptional for this show to adopt the type of truthful vitality it calls for. "I instantly called Trustus Alumni Jonathan Whitton about playing the role of Jamie," said Henderson. "We were all very excited when he agreed. He's a high caliber artist and exactly what this project desires."

Currently Jonathan Whitton is a working actor in New York City. He's been building an exceptional career in the NYC Cabaret Circuit with his ever-evolving, stirring, and provocative show. Whitton has even won multiple awards from MAC, the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs. Columbia audiences may remember Jonathan Whitton's critically acclaimed performances at Trustus as the Emcee in Cabaret and Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Trustus is ecstatic to welcome Whitton back to Columbia to bring his dynamic presence back to the stage where he started his early career.

Mandy Applegate (The Producers, Chicago) will make her Trustus debut as she co-stars with Whitton as Cathy. "Jonathan and Mandy together are going to turn some heads," said Director Chad Henderson. "Mandy is the perfect compliment to Jonathan in this show. Their portrayals of Jamie and Cathy are going to open up the audiences hearts, and ultimately allow them to discover things about themselves that they haven't considered yet." Certainly this talented cast will create an unforgettable night at Trustus.

Tom Beard musically directs and leads a band of national-caliber musicians playing cello, violin, bass, guitar, and piano. "This musical has such a unique sound for musical theatre," said Beard to Henderson during a meeting. "You don't really get to hear a chamber band playing musicals often, and the piano is almost like the third character in this composition." Undoubtedly, Columbia audiences will be thrilled to hear this talented group of musicians, featuring members of the South Carolina Philharmonic, as they bring this highly detailed music, which is influenced by jazz and classical music, to life.

Only one of three new shows at Trustus this season, The Last 5 Years promises to be one of the most engaging and invigorating shows in Columbia this year. Audiences will be thrilled at the caliber of the performances on stage, and marvel at this inimitable and truthful story told in an exciting non-linear style.

Jason Robert Brown's The Last 5 Years opens at 8:00pm on Friday, March 26. The show runs through April 17, 2010. There will be no shows on Sunday, March 28 or Easter. Tickets are $25, and student rush tickets are available at half-price 15 minutes prior to curtain with a valid ID. Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady St. The main stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building.

For more information call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season info.

Photo credit: Jason Steelman